A direct correlation between the amount of pre-historic reefs and the population of decapod crustacean species has been observed by University of Florida researchers.
The finding raises concerns for crustacean species currently living in rapidly declining reef habitats, as their numbers could drop, adversely affecting the biodiversity of the reef systems.
Decapod crustacean species dropped by over 50% during a sharp decline of reefs nearly 150 million years ago, resulting in the extinction of 80% of crabs.
It has been estimated that 20% of the world’s reefs may disappear within 40 years, with natural and anthropogenic influences such as ocean acidification, disease and coral bleaching acting as catalysts to the degradation of the reefs.
Read more at University of Florida